Shannon Sharpe Suggests Falcons Call Cam Newton Amid QB Crisis

Shannon Sharpe has urged the Atlanta Falcons to consider calling Cam Newton as the team deals with an unexpected quarterback crisis before its Week 1 matchup. The situation became even more complicated after Cooper Rush, who had recently been named the starter, experienced back spasms.

Atlanta was already facing uncertainty at the position after Tua Tagovailoa was ruled out with an oblique injury and Michael Penix Jr. was sidelined because of a knee issue. Rush was subsequently elevated to the starting role, but his own injury has now created another concern just before the season opener.

The Falcons currently have rookie Jack Strand as an important backup option, leaving the team with limited experienced depth if Rush cannot take the field. The unusual circumstances prompted Sharpe to suggest that Atlanta could explore an experienced veteran such as former NFL MVP Cam Newton.

Shannon Sharpe Asks If Falcons Should Call Cam Newton

During an episode of Nightcap, Sharpe raised the possibility of Atlanta contacting Newton after the Falcons’ quarterback situation deteriorated.

Sharpe’s co-host Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson immediately supported the idea, arguing that Atlanta could at least explore whether Newton might be an option.

The suggestion comes at a time when the Falcons need immediate certainty at quarterback. Newton has extensive NFL experience and previously won the league’s MVP award, making him a recognizable name whenever a team suddenly finds itself short on experienced quarterbacks.

However, considering a player and actually signing him are two different things. The Falcons would need to determine whether Newton is available, physically ready and suitable for their offensive system before making such a move.

Atlanta’s Quarterback Depth Has Been Tested

The Falcons’ current situation developed rapidly.

Tagovailoa was unavailable because of an oblique injury, while Penix Jr. was already sidelined with a knee injury. That led Atlanta to name Rush its starter for the season opener.

Rush appeared to provide the Falcons with an experienced option at a difficult moment. The former NFL quarterback has significant regular-season experience and was expected to provide stability while the team’s other quarterbacks dealt with their respective injuries.

That plan was disrupted when Rush experienced back spasms shortly after being named the starter.

Sharpe highlighted how quickly the situation had changed, pointing out the unusual timing of Rush’s injury after Atlanta had just announced him as its Week 1 quarterback.

For the Falcons, the immediate priority is determining Rush’s availability and preparing the rest of the quarterback room for every possible scenario.

Rookie Jack Strand Could Be Asked to Step Up

If Rush cannot play, rookie Jack Strand could find himself with a much bigger responsibility than initially expected.

Sharpe acknowledged that the young quarterback has potential and suggested that Atlanta should give him an opportunity if circumstances require it. At the same time, the former NFL star recognized that Strand’s lack of professional experience could lead to mistakes.

That creates a difficult decision for Atlanta. Starting a rookie in Week 1 carries obvious uncertainty, particularly when the opponent can prepare specifically for a quarterback with limited NFL experience.

On the other hand, Strand would have an opportunity to make a significant impression if he is suddenly thrust into the starting role.

The Falcons will therefore need to prepare him as though he could play, even if the team’s preference remains to have Rush available.

Why Cam Newton Was Mentioned

Newton’s name stands out because of his experience and previous success at the NFL level.

The former quarterback was the league MVP during the 2015 season and spent much of his career as one of the NFL’s most recognizable dual-threat quarterbacks. His ability to create plays with both his arm and legs made him a difficult player for defenses to handle during his prime.

For a team suddenly facing uncertainty at quarterback, an experienced player can theoretically provide a safer short-term option than relying entirely on an inexperienced backup.

However, Newton has not been an active NFL quarterback in recent seasons, meaning Atlanta would have to evaluate whether he could quickly return to game condition and operate the team’s offense.

Sharpe’s comments should therefore be viewed as a suggestion rather than an indication that the Falcons are actually negotiating with Newton.

Cooper Rush’s Injury Changes the Equation

Rush’s back spasms are particularly significant because Atlanta had already settled on him as the starter after Tagovailoa’s absence was confirmed.

The timing leaves the Falcons with very little margin for error. Even if Rush is ultimately cleared to play, the team must consider how the injury could affect his preparation and mobility.

Back issues can be especially relevant for quarterbacks because the position requires repeated throwing motions, movement within the pocket and the ability to absorb contact.

Atlanta therefore has a strong reason to monitor Rush carefully rather than assuming that he will automatically be ready.

The coaching staff can also use the remaining preparation time to make sure Strand understands the game plan in case his role suddenly expands.

Tua Tagovailoa Injury Adds to the Concern

Tagovailoa’s oblique injury was already a major factor in Atlanta’s quarterback plans.

His absence forced the Falcons to move toward Rush, creating a chain reaction that has now left the team dealing with multiple quarterback concerns at once.

The situation has also generated outside discussion about the timing of Tagovailoa’s injury. Former Steelers player Breiden Fehoko questioned whether the circumstances were unusual, although he stopped short of claiming that the injury was fake.

Fehoko pointed to comments made earlier in the week by Tagovailoa and Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin before noting that the quarterback’s back issue surfaced ahead of the game.

His comments represent speculation about the timing, not established evidence that Tagovailoa’s injury is illegitimate. The Falcons will ultimately have to rely on their medical staff and the player’s condition when determining his availability.

Breiden Fehoko Questions the Timing

Fehoko discussed Tagovailoa’s situation on The Fehoko Show, describing the timing as unusual based on the sequence of events during the week.

He referenced Tagovailoa’s earlier confidence about having nothing left to prove and Tomlin’s comments regarding the quarterback’s history against Pittsburgh. Fehoko then noted that the injury reportedly flared up before the game.

Importantly, Fehoko did not directly accuse Tagovailoa of pretending to be injured. His remarks were centered on whether the timing seemed unusual to him.

That distinction matters because an injury report and a player’s availability should be separated from speculation surrounding it. Without verified evidence, claims about an injury being deliberately fabricated should not be treated as fact.

Falcons Must Prepare for Multiple Scenarios

Atlanta’s best approach now is to prepare for every realistic quarterback scenario.

If Rush is healthy enough to play, the Falcons can proceed with their original Week 1 plan while keeping Strand ready as the backup. If Rush remains unavailable, the coaching staff may need to significantly adjust the game plan around the rookie.

The possibility of adding another quarterback could also be explored, but any new player would have limited time to learn the offense before the season opener.

That makes experience valuable, but familiarity with the Falcons’ system is equally important. Signing a veteran does not automatically guarantee that the player would be ready to start immediately.

What Cam Newton Could Bring

If Atlanta were to explore Newton as an option, his biggest advantage would be experience.

Newton has played in major NFL games and understands the pressure associated with being a starting quarterback. His mobility could also give an offense another dimension, particularly in short-yardage and red-zone situations.

But the Falcons would have to weigh those advantages against the challenges of bringing in a quarterback who has been away from regular NFL competition.

Timing, conditioning and familiarity with the offensive system would all matter. Atlanta would also need to determine whether Newton could realistically prepare quickly enough to contribute in Week 1.

Sharpe’s suggestion therefore makes sense primarily as a contingency discussion rather than a straightforward solution.

Week 1 Becomes a Major Test for Atlanta

The quarterback uncertainty comes before Atlanta has even played its first game of the season, making Week 1 a major test for the organization.

The Falcons must now manage injuries, prepare their available quarterbacks and ensure that the rest of the offense is ready to adjust if necessary.

A strong running game and efficient short passing attack could potentially reduce pressure on whichever quarterback starts. The coaching staff may also prefer a simpler game plan if a less experienced player is forced into action.

That could make the opening game as much about managing the situation as it is about executing the original offensive plan.

Experience Versus Continuity

The Falcons’ quarterback dilemma essentially presents a choice between experience and continuity.

A veteran such as Newton would bring a substantial NFL résumé, but he would have to learn Atlanta’s system quickly. Strand already belongs to the team and knows its terminology and preparation process, but he lacks NFL experience.

Rush sits somewhere between those options because he has professional experience and was already selected as the starter, but his health has suddenly become uncertain.

The decision will ultimately depend on medical evaluations and the coaching staff’s assessment of which option gives Atlanta the best chance to compete.

Shannon Sharpe’s Suggestion Adds Another Name

Newton’s appearance in the conversation demonstrates how unusual Atlanta’s situation has become.

Teams typically spend the offseason building quarterback depth with the expectation that injuries can happen. Having multiple quarterbacks unavailable or questionable just before Week 1, however, can force a team to consider options it would not normally explore.

Whether the Falcons actually contact Newton remains unknown. For now, the more immediate questions concern Rush’s back spasms and Strand’s readiness.

Atlanta will need clear answers quickly because the regular season is already here.

Final Verdict

Shannon Sharpe has suggested that the Falcons consider calling Cam Newton after injuries created serious uncertainty at quarterback ahead of Week 1. Tua Tagovailoa is dealing with an oblique injury, Michael Penix Jr. is sidelined with a knee issue and Cooper Rush has developed back spasms after being named the starter.

Rookie Jack Strand could now become extremely important if Rush cannot play. Sharpe believes the rookie deserves an opportunity if necessary, while also acknowledging the challenges that come with starting an inexperienced quarterback.

Newton would offer Atlanta an experienced alternative, but Sharpe’s comments are only a suggestion and do not confirm that the Falcons are pursuing the former MVP.

For now, Atlanta’s priority is straightforward: determine Rush’s status, prepare Strand and evaluate every available option before the season opener. The Falcons’ quarterback situation has already become one of the biggest storylines surrounding their Week 1 preparations.